A few more days have passed, Kan'na was working tirelessly with the dwarves. Several pieces were created, but none reached the standard both parties desired.
Akiol was also a troublesome 'client'. For the fact that he did not like armor meant they had to take another route.
An old dwarf dusted off an ornate ring. It was golden with silver details. A dull grey 'stone' rest at the top. The dwarf wiped away the sweat gathering at their forehead and examined the work.
Tapping it gently with a small hammer and reinspecting the ring, they then nodded to themselves, "It's done."
Akiol eyed the ring, "Impressive work, always fascinating to watch something form under a master's hand."
"I'll take the compliment, more importantly I need you to test it."
"What exactly did you do?"
"If it works you shall see."
Akiol picked up the ring and inspected the small 'stone'. The ordinary rock wasn't actually a rock, but rather a piece of his slime self.
When the dwarf requested his assistance, Akiol was required to donate a bit of his slime for the creation. The resulting ring had that bit of slime as part of the decoration.
Akiol slipped it on, due to his lack of the system's assistance, he couldn't see what the ring did exactly.
Flexing his fingers Akiol could feel how it felt on his fingers. The dwarf interrupted this and ordered, "Manipulate that hand."
Akiol obliged and manipulated his hand into freely flowing slime. To his surprise he found the ring to mold directly into his body.
The dwarf was pleased at the sight, "This is a bound piece. Bound items usually require a bit of blood, usually as the stone. Unlike a link with your soul, this link with your flesh. . . in your case slime. Only you can do anything with it."
"Is it different from the other types of restrictions?"
"You mean like the tailored equipment?"
"Yeah, I saw Tilia's stuff earlier. She can only wear that right?"
"That's similar, instead it's bound to her unique ability. This is more simple to create."
"So what does this do exactly?"
"A mild performance boost. If it weren't for the fact that I wanted it bound to you I could've made it stronger. You should feel it soon."
"Nothing more?"
"Did you expect more?"
"Not exactly, just didn't want any surprises."
"Nothing more, just an enhancement effect. I couldn't do much else with it since I haven't worked with slime bound equipment."
"I'm not complaining since it's free. I'm quite pleased with this bound effect as well."
"Perfect, now I'm going to provide those struggling ones with some insight on your sorcerer friend's outfit."
"Thank you."
"It's merely a repayment."
The dwarf walked away towards a group of dwarves. Akiol inspected the ring again, now that he thought about it. He was pretty certain his color wasn't grey before. Although he failed to remember what it was, he did have an idea on how it became this way.
The Slime King, they were grey as a rock. Back when his body was reconstructed it must've turned grey due to the King's efforts.
Not that it mattered, due to his manipulation he could subconsciously change the color of his body.
'So what's the plan after this?' -Stars
"I'll probably continue training the group. Mira's potential is incredible, though I'd rather not have him fight."
'As much as I hate to admit it, Mira is probably stronger than I. Why not let him fight?' -Givale
"Because with you I'm linked with, I can tell when you're in danger. And you have an escape route. Mira doesn't have those options."
'So are you going to prevent him from fighting?' -Stars
"As much as I'd rather not, I won't."
'Oh?'
"I'm not going to be around for his growth, me teaching his was merely an exchange after all. It's best he learns how to fight with real application. Though I doubt many could go against his strength."
'You make it sound like you're going to abandon him.'
"That wording is a tad harsh. More like part on good terms. I won't stay around here after the revolution concludes."
'I'll miss him. . .' -Givale
'How nice of you! Showing compassion to someone.' -Stars
'. . .'
'Ah, wait a minute- Put the magic down. I'm not sure what damage you'll do to me if you fire it in here!'
'. . . Apologize.'
'It was a small quip! It wasn't anything new! Why are you threatening me?!'
'Apologize.'
'O-Okay! I'm sorry alright?! Don't fire the magic! What if you do permanent damage?!'
'Hmph.'
"You guys were on a good behavior streak for so long.", Akiol had to resist massaging his temples.
'Stars started it.'
Stars did not respond, for he feared another retaliation in the shape of very dangerous magic.
~ ~ ~
Travis walked towards a tall building. Players that were usually bustling about all paused to watch his approach.
The tall building had a symbol at the front. A Raven carrying a thread. The sign of the top Guild Raven's Thread.
Whispers traveled along the players.
"Isn't that Dot? What's he doing here?!"
"We should probably leave, I don't want to fight against him."
"Dot?! Did we do something?"
"Damn man! I thought the beef was settled!"
Ignoring the players Travis walked through the open front doors. Inside the building the chatter of players slowed to a stop. All we're watching his movements.
Travis stopped at the middle of the room. His presence should have already been noticed by the Guild Leaders. Now he waited for someone to approach him.
Travis' or rather Dot's reputation was incredibly known at this point. Hardly any player of the central continent did not know who he was now.
Sure enough the Vice-Leader appeared, "Dot. . . what brings you here? Did we not listen to your demands?"
"I've come for answers."
Uranium frowned, "You have to realize our position here, we cannot bend at your every word."
"Then you'll have to face the consequences without having a word for your innocence."
"Innocence?"
"I was sent a group of expert assassins, not your average player hunting my bounty. Upon interrogation that revealed that you were their employer."
"That's nonsense!"
"I'm not a moron. Why would some expert assassins reveal their employer? However I can't completely rule out that it wasn't you. So I've come to make an announcement."
Travis tapped a few things on his screen, "I made a post to the forums. If you can identify who these are and who their employer is, you can prove your innocence."
Several players silently opened the forums to investigate themselves. Uranium also did this, but he objected, "We can't spend resources to find some randoms that hunted you."
"Use your head Uranium."
Uranium gritted his teeth and looked around. Guild members were whispering amongst each other about the topic. It wouldn't be long before word got out and Raven Thread's reputation was dragged through the mud. If they couldn't prove their innocence, then they were cowards that sent assassins. Even if they made effort to announce it wasn't them, the masses would not care without irrefutable evidence.
Dot was using their name again. It angered Uranium greatly, was the number one Guild just some tool to a single player?!
His feelings did not matter, he had no choice but to play along with Dot's scheme. With a venom laced voice he responded, "This wasn't us, expect the information to be posted publicly soon."
Travis did not say anything more, turning to leave the building silently. Once his presence was gone the players became abundant in energy. Gossip spread like wildfire, further urging Uranium to get to work on the investigation.
As he turned to inform the necessary channels he swore into his heart, 'Dot! You won't be able to get away with this forever!'